Kelsey Ackerman | Sports Co-Editor

The Buena Vista University (BVU) women’s golf team opened play in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Conference Tournament last Friday, Oct. 2 at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls.

This was Head Coach Mike Jamieson’s first go at the Conference Tournament with a Beavers.

“The main thing I wanted to be focused on was for the women to be more prepared one, with their homework done so there wasn’t added stress and two, to be in the best position to shoot the best scores of the year,” Jamieson said.

After the first round, freshman Emily Kim let the Beavers tied for 16th with a score of 88. Junior Elizabeth Kim wasn’t far behind with a 100, followed by freshman Madison Van Wallenghen at 102, and senior Alison Wedemeyer at 122. The Beavers totaled a 412, which put them in eighth place after round one of the tournament.

Entering round two, all four Beaver golfers improved their round one scores. Starting behind the University of Dubuque by nine shots, the Beavers finished the day with a 378, with a now 11-shot lead on the Spartans.

“Our team really enjoys playing at Pheasant Ridge. I am proud of our team for continuing to make improvements through the season, as well as getting personal best scores in the tournament,” Elizabeth Kim said.

Emily Kim moved up to spot 15, with a score of 85, just eight shots back of the top ten.

“The goals for this weekend are to play to our capabilities without giving shots away to mental errors. I want us to finish the season strong and keep the seventh-place finish. For individual performance, I think it will be great for Emily Kim to have a shot for top ten,” Jamieson said.

The third round of the tournament will resume this Friday, Oct. 9 at Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta. The Beavers have finished eighth the past three years, and hope to break that tradition.

Photo by Charlie Webster